Rumah Gadang Minangkabau, West Sumatra

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Indonesia is a country with a lot of culture and uniqueness of its people. Starting from language, traditional customs, clothing, to the place of residence. One of the unique and most popular traditional houses is the rumah gadang. The shape is magnificent, unique, and rich in meaning to be one of the pride of Indonesia.

Rumah gadang is even highly respected by the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra. In addition, the people usually mention the bagonjong house or banjuang house.

Meaning of Rumah Gadang

One of the most prominent building forms of the rumah gadang is the roof that is shaped like a buffalo horn which indicates that the owner is a native of the Minangkabau.

In addition, the form of the rumah gadang can also show a person’s social status. The buffalo itself is the most respected animal because of the Majapahit incident and the Minang buffalo.

The uniqueness of the Rumah Gadang

Roof

The roof of the rumah gadang is made of curved and pointy fibers or what is called gonjong. The shape of the gonjong means hope in God.

In addition, the walls of the house are made of woven bamboo which symbolizes the strength of the Minangkabau people.

Home Pillar

Rumah gadang has colorful pillars consisting of five rows. The row of pillars is designed into four rooms or what is called lanjar as a bed.

Carved Decorations

Traditional houses have unique carvings and are arranged vertically. The carvings use motifs of flowers, leaves, fruit, and other plants.

The carvings were not made randomly but were made based on basandi customs, namely measuring the length of use, appropriateness, and geometric shapes.

Sturdy

Rumah gadang has poles made of juha trees with a diameter of 40 cm to 60 cm. However, before use, the juha tree must be soaked in a pool of water for years until it becomes strong and sturdy.

The construction of a rumah gadang does not use nails at all but rather pegs or joints so it is very flexible.

Earthquake Resistant

Rumah gadang is made by adjusting the area of ​​origin which is prone to earthquakes. So that the gadang house is supported by long poles and is earthquake resistant.

Stairs at the Entrance

The stairs at the entrance apparently also contain the meaning of Islam by the Minangkabau people.

Building Shape

The Minangkabau dwelling place is deliberately formed or built high to avoid the threat of wild animals.

Number of Rooms

Another uniqueness of the rumah gadang is that the space must match the number of daughters.

For married girls, they will get a separate room with their husband. Meanwhile, the girls will live together in a room that matches the number of residents.

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